The islands of Guernsey and the other Channel Islands represent the last remnants of the medieval Dukedom of Normandy, which held sway in both France and England. The islands were the only British soil occupied by German troops during World War II.

Aurigny links the Bailiwick to similar destinations to FlyBe, but can sometimes be used as a cheaper alternative; destinations include: Gatwick, Stansted, East Midlands, Southampton, Bristol, Dinard, Grenoble, Alderney, Jersey and Manchester.

BlueIslands are the 3rd airline who operate year-round Guernsey services to and from Alderney, Geneva, Isle of Man, Jersey, Southampton and Zurich.

Ferries run from St Peter Port to the UK, France and other Channel Islands. There is a conventional ferry year round from Portsmouth, and high speed catamarans from Weymouth and Poole in the summer with a less frequent service in the winter. The conventional ferry runs in all weather, the catamarans can be delayed or cancelled by high seas.

There are no trains in the Bailiwick except a spur on Alderney; roads are small but not busy. No island is very big, so a bicycle is a good way to get around.

Alternately there are hire cars, taxis and a frequent bus service during the day available on both Guernsey and Alderney - other islands have no motorcycles, private cars or buses. Buses cost £1 no matter where you go on either motorised island. Most roads have no pavements and the few that do can legally be driven on by motorists. It is also legal to not wear seat belts whilst in the back seat of a car.

The other Channel Islands can all be reached by ferry from St Peter Port. Jersey and Alderney can also be reached by plane.

The Guernsey pound (£) is in a currency union with the United Kingdom (GBP) and all pound sterling notes are accepted wherever they were printed. Guernsey banknotes can be exchanged at par at all banks in the sterling area (including the UK) but many retailers in England are suspicious of them in the same way they are sceptical of sterling banknotes from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Jersey. Consequently, its less hassle if you make sure you leave with Bank of England notes. ATMs generally describe which currency is being dispensed - 'Local' or 'English'.

Financial services - banking, fund management, insurance, etc. - account for about 55% of total income in this tiny Channel Island economy. Tourism, manufacturing, and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers, have been declining. Light tax and death duties make Guernsey a popular tax haven. The evolving economic integration of the EU nations is changing the rules of the game under which Guernsey operates.

Most international cuisines are represented with, not surprisingly, fresh local seafood taking centre stage.

Summer in the Bailiwick is all about al fresco dining, with long cliff top lunches and leisurely gatherings at old farmhouse restaurants.

Guernsey’s beach kiosks are a gastronomic odyssey in their own right.

Picnics are also popular. For the ultimate spontaneity, pack fresh French bread and cheese, local tomatoes and paté and a bottle of wine and head for the cliffs. There’s a view from a bay or winding path that really is yours alone.

There are lots of pubs to be visited all over the islands, in St Peter Port the pubs are easy to find and are mostly along the waterfront. Laska's has an enormous list of cocktails and is a popular spot. Start here and work your way north along the waterfront, ending at the taxi rank.

There are plenty of opportunities to learn in Guernsey with everything from ceramics to surfing on offer. If you, or your child, want to try something creative while visiting there is a good gallery with art workshops in the older area of town. The Gallery is at the top of a cobbled hill (Mill Street) which goes up from the old markets. There you can sign up for pottery, mosaic, painting and photography workshops. There are also plenty of fun and unusual things on offer for children.

The Bailiwick of Guernsey boasts low unemployment, good salaries and low taxes, so they are attractive places to work. However, it is difficult to get permission to live and work there (easier if you are in a profession that the islands seek to attract, particularly in international finance).

The islands of Guernsey, Alderney and Sark each have their own employment policies which are in addition to, and stricter than, employment and immigration rules in the UK. To work in Guernsey, you need to be eligible to work in the UK (ie., have British or EU citizenship or a British work visa) or get immigration permission from Guernsey Border Control (which requires your employer to sponsor you). In addition, you will need a valid "right to work" document from Guernsey's Housing Department -- effectively a work permit which also restricts which type of housing you can live in; these are usually arranged through your employer. Affordable housing is limited in Guernsey; it is a good idea to start looking online for housing which fits your right-to-work housing conditions and your budget before you arrive, so that you do not end up stuck in a hotel for months looking for something suitable.

In Alderney, if you are a British or European citizen then you generally need a work permit from the States of Alderney to work there. If you are not a British or European citizen then you need to apply for a work visa from the British Government. Unlike Guernsey, in Alderney there are no housing restrictions on guest workers. Alderney has almost no unemployment and has suffered a steep population decline in the past 10 years, particularly among young families, so it is probably easier to get a work permit in Alderney now than in past years.